According to a report from the American Cancer Society released this month, Warren County residents have a higher cancer mortality rate than the statewide average.

Statistics from 2004 to 2008 show that the county has a 1% higher rate of incidences of cancer than the statewide rate, but the county has a 9% higher mortality rate from cancer than the statewide average for the same four-year period.

The annual incidence rates and annual mortality rates have both decreased slightly since the 1994-1998 period.

Tobacco use is the most important factor associated with lung and other cancers, the report states. Statistics from 2004 to 2010 indicate that 21% of adults in Warren County are smokers, the third highest rate of counties in the state.

Kathy Lo, a radiation oncologist at the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, said it can be difficult to pinpoint specific reasons why the incidence rate of cancer is higher in certain counties. In Warren County, however, where there is a relatively large number of smokers, you’d likely see greater occurrences of lung cancer, which is one of the more difficult forms of cancer to treat. This could lead to a greater number of mortalities, Lo said.

“Sometimes when you’re dealing with lower socio-economic areas, then you have more incidences of later-stage cancers," she said. "Sometimes you can have a little bit different types of cancers because of the socioeconomic makeup of that area.”

Part of the reason the cancer mortality rate is decreasing, Lo said, is that people are becoming more educated about skin cancer. During the summer, she said, people should be sure to apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen and try to limit their sun exposure as well.

Currently the American Cancer Society estimates that about 12 people are diagnosed with cancer each week and approximately five people die each week from some form of cancer in the county.

“Cancer takes a devastating toll on New Jersey. One in two men and one in three women will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes," the report states. "More than half of all these diagnoses will occur after the age of 65. Cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart disease."

The report estimates that more than 49,000 people living in New Jersey were diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and that more than approximately 16,000 died from the disease.

Prostate cancer is the most common form in the state, with nearly 8,000 men diagnosed last year. Lung cancer, however, led to the highest number of mortalities, over 4,100.

About a third of cancer patients have out-of-pocket healthcare costs totaling 10% or more of their family incomes.

The number of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths will continue to decrease if people continue to be proactive with their own health, a trend that radiation oncologist Lo said she has seen over the past couple of decades as people learn more and more about cancer.

Lo suggested that residents follow up with their primary doctors and get a colonoscopy at age 50, mammograms at age 40 and annual pap smears.